Boeing earnings jump 58 per cent

Boeing says its first-quarter earnings jumped 58 per cent on higher revenue from sales of commercial aeroplanes, helping it overcome slow growth in its defence business.

The company also increased its 2012 profit forecast.

Boeing said on Wednesday that it earned $US923 million ($A897.73 million), or $1.22 per share, compared with $586 million, or 78 cents per share, a year ago. It topped the forecast of analysts, who expected 96 cents per share, according to FactSet.

The gains were driven by strength in sales of commercial aeroplanes. Many airlines are updating their fleets and ordering more fuel-efficient aeroplanes to cope with higher jet fuel prices.

The company delivered 137 commercial aircraft in the first quarter, up from 104 a year earlier. It increased its backlog to $380 billion with more than 300 orders for a new version of its workhorse 737 jetliner, which is expected to be ready in a few years to compete with a plane being developed by European rival Airbus.

Revenue from commercial planes jumped 54 per cent, to $10.94 billion, while revenue from defence and space work grew eight per cent, to $8.23 billion, reflecting tighter government budgets. The backlog of military planes grew 20 per cent to $72 billion on orders for F-15 fighter jets and C-17 cargo planes.

Chicago-based Boeing said it expected 2012 net income of $4.15 to $4.35 as it sets aside less money for litigation. In January, it predicted earnings of $4.05 to $4.25 per share for the year. The new range is still below the $4.48 per share that analysts expect.

Boeing shares rose $2.03, or 2.8 per cent, to $75.24 in premarket trading.